The change is aimed at making it easier to apply for candidates and to reduce processing times.

Candidates who received a Notification of Interest before January 23, 2017 can still submit a paper application if they prefer, but all those receiving an NOI after this date must use the new online system.

The French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream is the only non-business immigration option currently open to applications under the OINP.

The province says the OINP allocation, set by the federal government, was reached for 2016, and now it is working on fulfilling its allotted number of immigrants for 2017.

Four of the OINP streams remain temporarily closed to applications.

They are:

Human Capital Priorities (Express Entry)

Employer Pre-Screen

International Student (Masters Graduate)

International Student (PhD Graduate)

The Ontario immigration streams that remain open to applications include:

French-Speaking Skilled Worker (Express Entry)

Investor Immigration (Corporate)

Investor Immigration (Entrepreneur)

Ontario is also working on moving more of its immigration application system online, to reduce processing times and make it simpler for candidates.

In August it launched a new online application process for the Entrepreneur stream.

The allocation for provincial programs received a small boost under the federal government’s immigration numbers plan, released in October 2016.

In 2016, an allocation of 47,800 immigrants was set for the provincial programs (excluding Quebec). In 2017, that target has increased to 51,000.

Ontario recently announced a $3.35 million investment in its provincial Bridge Training Program, designed to assist newcomers in navigating the employment market.

The Ontario Bridge Training Program (OBTP) brings together immigrants and employers and highlights transferable skills and qualifications.